Sun and Sand!

Last week, my folks rented a condo in Orange Beach for a little getaway for our whole family. We don't often get everyone together, so it was really special to spend a few days with my brother, his fiance, and my parents! We had a GREAT time.

Our condo complex was small, but it had an indoor and an outdoor pool and plenty of beach access. There was also a beautiful, well-lit pier off the back of the complex.

When we arrived (after spending most of the day in the car) on Monday night, we ate dinner and took a walk out to the pier. It was getting late and the girls were pretty tired, so we headed inside. Gazing at the handful of people out on the beach and then passing a few children playing in the pool, Catherine said to Nana, "But we haven't gotten to do any fun-ness yet!" She was ready to play then and there! We assured her that plenty of fun-ness awaited and the rest of the week didn't disappoint!

She absolutely loved the beach. I was a little surprised. She isn't a kid who likes to be messy or dirty, but she took to the sand like a little crab! She even enjoyed swimming in the salt water. She got knocked over by a few waves, but she wanted to keep playing! (This is a big deal for our little drama queen.)

Caroline was a different story. Caroline is pretty texture sensitive. She is a picky eater, hates to be wet or messy, won't walk on grass, etc. We've played in the sand a few times this summer and it wasn't met with mixed reviews. She hated it. So I wasn't sure how this week at the beach was going to go. I wouldn't say she ever completely came around, but she did enjoy playing in the ocean, sitting on a mat and playing with sand (for a few minutes at a time), and sitting in a beach chair under the tent. And getting lots of attention from her family! And she also enjoyed the pool, so that was a hit!

Snuggling with daddy on the back patio

Mom and Me at LuLu's one rainy afternoon

Learning to build a sand castle

My future sister in law and my mom

Happy place (note the clean feet!)

Bethany let her wear this awesome hat!

Can you hold a can and paddleball at the same time? It's something to aspire to!

Daddy took both girls way out into the water. In Caroline's words, "I love the little waves. But not the big ones. You have to jump over them."

We surprised my mom and dad one evening with a cake  to celebrate them and their marriage. The bakery was supposed to make it look like a wedding cake. My brother said it made him think of a quincinera. I'd say he nailed it. Hopefully, it's the thought that counts!